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The difference that Fairtrade makes

Emerging evidence through impact assessments has found that Fairtrade can make a significant difference to farmers’ and workers’ lives.

Economic benefits

The Fairtrade Minimum Price is supporting farmers growing products such as cocoa, coffee and bananas become more income-secure and less vulnerable to poverty

Fairtrade is gradually empowering communities to organise into cooperatives and improve their negotiating position within the supply chain. This can enable them to negotiate a higher price for their product than the conventional market price

Fairtrade improves access to agricultural services like organic training and premium markets. As a result farmers have an incentive to farm better and sell more.

Additional income through the Fairtrade Premium is supporting better farming, strong cooperatives and investment in collective assets to improve crops and yields

The Fairtrade Standards promote training for farmers, which can include advice on switching to environmentally friendly practices, such as developing nutrient-rich soils that support healthy plants and encouraging wildlife to help control pests and diseases.

For some farmers, the Fairtrade (and organic) Standards have resulted in switches to less toxic pesticides, which, as well as being better for the environment, has a positive impact on producers’ health

Social benefits

Farmers and workers who choose to participate in Fairtrade often feel a real sense of control over their future with greater power and voice.

Fairtrade can support workers to realise their rights and negotiate the terms and conditions of their work through trade unions and collective bargaining

Fairtrade can provide producer support and expertise in deepening gender equality

For workers employed on Fairtrade certified plantations, investments made through the Fairtrade Premium in education, better housing, better schools and medical facilities in worker communities is highly valued

Investment of the Fairtrade Premium by co-operatives in community development projects like improved health facilities and better access to education for children and adults is improving the quality of lives of rural communities

Achieving development impact is a long-term process and results vary significantly based on regional context, product and supply chain specifics and external factors